The Holdings, The Ryde, Hatfield, Hertfordshire

This four-bedroom detached house was completed in 1964 to a design by architects Dunham, Widdup and Harrison. It lies in Hatfield, and forms part of Lionel Brett’s visionary mid-century development, The Ryde. Defined by simple lines, open-plan interiors and abundant glazing, the development sits in equilibrium with its leafy surroundings. Pretty gardens bookend this house, which also has a garage en bloc. Hatfield station can be reached on foot within 10 minutes and runs direct services to London's King's Cross in under half an hour.

The Architects

Established around 1948 by three founding partners - Peter Browning Dunham, Frank MacFarlane Widdup, and Michael Harrison - the firm was commissioned, in the early 1960s, by the local chief architect and planner Lionel Brett to design and develop this part of the The Ryde.

Envisioned as a post-war housing development to revitalise local urban centres affected by the Blitz, the scheme was realised over a series of phases. This particular house formed part of phase one, which comprised three house types - of which this is a 'Type C'.

The Tour

The house sits on a quiet residential plot, away from traffic and noise. Set back from the road, access is via a private driveway that leads to the garage and a covered front porch. The façade is characterised by a neat jigsaw of pinkish brickwork, glass, and green and brown panels and boards. It is fronted by lawn and flanked by established trees and bushy shrubs.

Past the frosted glass front door, entry is to a light-filled hallway with exquisitely rich herringbone-laid parquet unfolding underfoot.

To the left, a triple-aspect living and dining room is especially inviting, with space to gather or retreat to. Exposed brickwork walls add texture on one side, softened by a leafy outlook on the other. An open fire - complete with a tiled hearth and stone mantel - offers a warming focal point on cooler evenings. There is also room on one side for a smart study set-up.

The plan flows to the rear dining area, where a pair of glazed doors, sheltered by a overhead canopy opens to the enticing rear garden.

A bespoke reeded glass and black composite screen with display storage and integrated lighting affords a subtle delineation between the dining area and the adjacent kitchen. Though recently installed, the kitchen - a design by Frank - has retained an authentic 1960s appeal. Runs of minimally detailed bottle-green units are topped with white Corian worktops, while sleek wood panels line walls. There is space for a breakfast table, and a long window above the integrated sink overlooks the leafy garden.

An external door opens to a recessed passageway, giving access to a utility/storage room and the garden. A WC, along with an area to hang coats and store shoes, completes the ground-floor layout.

The original mid-century staircase rises to the upper level, where cork tile flooring on the landing and beyond guides towards four double bedrooms. Each is unique but with similarly beautiful built-in storage, calming colour palettes and views over the green surroundings.

The principal bedroom is a serene retreat and is fitted with exquisite teak cabinetry, used to form a headboard shelf, drawers and wardrobes.

Dual-aspect windows make the second largest bedroom, which is currently used as an office and music room, beautifully bright. It has two doors to the landings, providing potential to create two independently accessed rooms, subject to relevant permissions and also directly accesses an enticing south-facing balcony - the perfect spot for an afternoon's coffee.

The shared bathroom sits centrally on the landing alongside a separate shower room, both recently renovated and with colourful fashion and marbled accents. Sky-blue tiles abut frosted panelling while carefully positioned shelves provided ample storage amid the Tom Dixon bathroom fittings.

The house benefits from substantial loft storage space.

Outdoor Space

The house takes root amid mature trees and fronted by a grassy lawn. Talented green fingers have created the abutting colourful flower beds, chock full of perennials and neatly tended shrubs. Further private outdoor space lies to the rear, where the verdant backyard is interspersed with multi-hued primulas, meadow planting, bluebells and fragrant lily of the valley. A dining terrace lies adjacent to the dining room, providing a perfect spot for sundowners as the golden hour light settles, with the edging hedges enhancing the sense of privacy and seclusion.

The driveway offers off-street parking and there is an en bloc single garage. A gate to one side provides direct access to the rear garden.

The Area

The development is just 20 miles north of London, in Hertfordshire. The shops of Welwyn Garden City, St Albans, Hertford and Hatfield are a short drive away from the house. There are local amenities and supermarkets within walking distance.

The green expanses of historic Hatfield House, Park and Gardens are nearby; for a small charge, residents of this area are entitled to apply for a pass that grants year-round access. Stanborough Park and lakes provide excellent summer destinations for open-water swimming, with several golf courses also within easy reach. The area provides for wonderful cycling along country lanes while nearby Welwyn Garden City hosts many enticing sporting clubs and venues including a very popular velodrome.

There are many excellent restaurants and shops in and surrounding Hatfield, including Auberge du Lac at Brocket Hall. In nearby St Albans, Osprey is a purveyor of beautiful furniture, adjoined to the San Lorenzo Italian bistro and deli, while Brad and Dills is a very popular stop for coffee and bagels. Also of note and a terrific dining spot is Hazels, a music-led wine bar and restaurants.

The area has several well-regarded schools including The Ryde Primary School, a five minute walk from the house. Countess Anne Church of England Primary School, Howe Dell Primary School, Chancellors School in Brookman Park and secondary Bishop’s Hatfield Girls’ School are all popular options. Further schooling is found in nearby St Albans and Welwyn Garden City, along with Dame Alice Owens in Potters Bar.

Hatfield Station can be reached on foot in approximately 10 minutes, where direct trains run to London King’s Cross in approximately 27 minutes and London Moorgate in around 40. Luton Airport is around 30 minutes away by car.

Council Tax Band: F